Once upon a September

I have no doubts about the highlight for this month: my sister Irene came to Galway.

She is going to stay with me for 6 weeks, while attending an English language course.

I started perceiving a mix of feelings some time before she arrived. A mix of happiness, worry, responsibility, not being able to foresee anything in particular, having just a blurry sight of what I could expect.

My sister and I never had that kind of close relationship where we would defend each other at all costs, or empathize with each other too much, understand our needs at first sight, cry or laugh too much together either (if you want to read more about my idea of family, click here!).

We used to fight like hell for nothing; I didn’t like the fact that she wanted to rely on me too much or seek my help when approaching my parents with a difficult (teenager-like) request. I would tend to leave her on her own, to face the world on her capacities.

Then I moved out to university, and we didn’t live under the same roof for years.

It was then that our relationship incredibly improved.

Now she comes to live with me as a 24 years young woman, who through the years found her own strength to proof everyone in the family what she is capable of (see great university results, relationships, taking on responsibilities).

I find her closer to me now, as if I was seeing myself moving to Ireland 4 years ago at her same age, not knowing where to go and what to do with my life.

And suddenly I feel a sisterly feeling like I have never felt before. I spontaneously feel like protecting her from her own doubts and questions about the future; as if I could finally show her what can be done without fear, because everything finds its right place in the end.

More than 2 weeks have passed already, and not a row between us yet. And I don’t find it incredible anymore!

I’m glad she is enjoying her time here, and I’m glad I’m finally liking to be a big sister.

Lately I’ve been often wearing Moonstone, which enhances all those feelings I need to embrace and welcome now: empathy, forgiveness, unselfishness and openness.